Ex-Niger Delta Militant Warns El-Rufai Against Seeking South-South Support for 2027
Former Niger Delta militant and Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has cautioned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against seeking political alliances in the South-South ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
El-Rufai has been vocal in his criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, alleging marginalization within the party. However, Akpodoro dismissed his grievances, asserting that the South-South remains uninterested in his political maneuvers.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, February 24, 2025, Akpodoro rejected any possibility of a North-South-South coalition against Tinubu, insisting that El-Rufai lacks the influence he assumes.
“If El-Rufai thinks he commands significant influence in the North, let alone the South-South, he is mistaken. We made the mistake of opposing one of our own, President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2015—we will not repeat that error,” Akpodoro declared.
He criticized El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna governor, accusing him of leaving behind hardship and instability. According to Akpodoro, many in Southern Kaduna feel relieved following his exit and appreciate Tinubu’s leadership for taking a different approach.
Furthermore, he argued that the political landscape in the North has shifted, with many now recognizing that El-Rufai and his allies prioritize personal ambition over national interest.
“El-Rufai should abandon any hopes of securing South-South support. When he was at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, he had no concern for this region. He cannot now expect to use it for political gain. We stand firmly with President Tinubu,” Akpodoro concluded.
